SANDIA LABORATORIES PLUTONIUM PROTECTION SYSTEM

Year
1977
Author(s)
E.A. Bernard - Sandia Laboratories
D.S. Miyoshi - Sandia Laboratories
F.D. Gutierrez - Sandia Laboratories
Abstract
Sandia Laboratories is developing an improved plutonium protection system (PPS) to demonstrate new concepts for enhancing special nuclear materials safeguards. PPS concepts include separation of functions, real-time item accountability and improved means for control of materials, activities and personnel access. Physical barriers and a secure communications network are designed into the system to offer greater protection against sabotage, diversion and theft attempts. Prototype systems are being constructed at Hanford, Washington and Albuquerque, New Mexico and will be subjected to a comprehensive testing and evaluation program.